Call to OrderChairman John Barnes called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. in the Private Dining Room of the Harris-Jefferson Student Center.

Approval of Minutes of May 19, 2005Chairman Barnes asked for any additions or corrections to the May 19, 2005 minutes or a motion for approval. Mr. Frost stated that a statement he had made concerning funding and the need for legal action did not appear in the May minutes and he asked that it be inserted. A motion was made (JCaffery/KPruitt) to approve the amended minutes including a summary of the statement by Mr. Frost. Motion carried.

Special Items for Board Consideration – Chairman John Barnes- Board Member Appointments and Re-appointmentMr. Barnes spoke to the group concerning Board members whose terms end June 30, 2005 and asked if these members wish to be reappointed for another term. Ending terms include Mr. Norris Kantor, Dr. Lyn Guy, and Mr. John Barnes. Dr. Frank Ball will be replaced by the newly elected faculty member representative Dr. Norman Mirsky. Mr. Frost asked about the continuation of Board membership of Mr. Edward Knight, Chair of the New River Community and Technology College Board, since the Community College is now an independently accredited institution. Mr. Barnes informed the group that the New River chairman will continue to serve as an ex-officio member as long as the Legislature mandates the position. Chairperson for the BSC Board of Governors will also continue to serve on the New River Board as an ex-officio member. Discussion followed. Mr. Frost asked concerning Ms. Ann Crow and if her position still remains on the Board. Mr. Barnes told the group that Ms. Crow was reappointed by Governor Wise but the State Senate never confirmed her appointment. Mr. Barnes reviewed the types of voting members. Discussion followed concerning the protocol for recommending potential board members to the Governor. Mr. Frost was directed to make his recommendation to the President (who will then make recommendations to the Governor) or to the Governor directly. Mr. Kantor expressed his desire to continue to serve on the Board of Governors. Chairman Barnes reviewed his service since 1999 as a Board member and made known his plans not to return for another term. He expressed his pleasure in serving Bluefield State and assured the group that he will continue to be a part of the BSC family in some form without serving on the Board. Mr. Barnes stressed the importance of having Board members appointed who will be dedicated to keeping the institution strong and will make sure the students have the best possible chance for a rich future. Mr. Barnes reminded the members that all Board members will continue to serve until replacements are appointed and confirmed by the Governor.

- Classified Staff SalaryChairman Barnes discussed the classified staff salary issues and zero-step. Last year the Board took a bold step in trying to address the issue within the means of the institution. Mr. Barnes commented that he felt the right steps were taken to do what could be done but the group still needs some information to see what steps need to be taken in the future. The State has promised that there will be a special session to address the issue. This will probably take place in January and will impact the mid-term salary initiative spearheaded by the Governor. Mr. Barnes introduced Mr. Dennis Taylor to the group to clarify some of the questions.

Mr. Taylor complemented the Board on their efforts to handle these issues in a timely manner. He explained all new hires must be at the zero-step as of 2005. The HEPC has asked the institutions to delay any actions on salary increases until it is known what the Governor does in the appropriation process in the special session. He explained that this does not apply to special circumstances when someone gets a promotion or reclassification.

Mr. Frost inquired concerning the fairness of the zero-step for new hires resulting in a higher rate of pay than for those who have several years of service. Mr. Taylor discussed the problems of the compression of salaries with the new hire starting at the zero step and the long-term employee staying at a fixed position. He informed the group that the HEPC is working on these issues. Mr. Frost discussed the problems over the years with under compensation of the long term employees. Classified employees were asked to make recommendations but no action has been taken by the Administration or the Board on this issue. Mr. Taylor explained to the group that recommendations have been requested so that when money becomes available to distribute for salary increases that it will be done consistent with the policy approved by the Bluefield State Board of Governors. Mr. Barnes discussed how the distribution of funds would be decided based on the input of everyone involved and the agreement of the Board. Mr. Frost discussed his concern that funding for the institution has not been fair and equitable in comparison with other institutions in the state and he said nothing is being done to correct the problem.

Vice President of Financial and Administrative Affairs – Ms. Shelia Johnson- Separation of Assets/LiabilitiesMs. Shelia Johnson gave each member a handout of the agreement on the division of assets and liabilities between Bluefield State and New River Community and Technical College and informed the group that both institutions must agree on these issues. A conference call was conducted on Wednesday evening with Mr. Edward Knight, Dr. Felica Blanks, Dr. Albert Walker, and Ms. Johnson to discuss the separation of assets and liabilities. The New River Board gave authority to Mr. Knight and Dr. Blanks to approve the document unless there were issues that needed further attention. Mr. Knight has indicated that the document is acceptable to him. Ms. Johnson reviewed the handout with the group and explained that some issues where an agreement could not be made have been given to the HEPC for appropriate action. She reminded the group that this document does not require action until the Board has had an opportunity to review the entire document. Mr. Kantor suggested that no action be taken at this meeting but to wait until all members have had an opportunity to review the document and then call a special meeting before July 1. Mr. Taylor informed the group that the resolution in the handout is the creation of the WV Higher Education Policy Commission to resolve issues that were received from the chairs of the two institutions. Ms. Johnson reviewed the document with the group. Mr. Barnes informed the group that a great deal of work went into the completion of this document and all necessary parties have had input into the information. Compromise was necessary to come to fair and equitable decisions for both institutions. Motion was made (JStafford/NKantor) to accept the agreement. Discussion followed. Motion carried with Mr. Frost abstaining from the vote.

In an update on the Beckley Higher Education Center, Ms. Johnson informed the group that bids of around $13 million were expected but came back at $21 million so the plans have been downsized and the opening has been delayed for two years.

Legislative and Media Relations Update – Mr. Jim Nelson- SB 674 Textbook Proposal Mr. Nelson reviewed the requirements of SB 674 that requires a Board of Governors ruling for making the textbook ISBN available to students for the fall semester. The draft language including a disclaimer that would protect the college in the event the ISBN was changed by the publisher after being provided to the student was distributed to the Board for review at the May meeting. The Board at that time asked for a written statement from Mr. Bruce Walker of HEPC expressing his approval of the wording. Ms. Jane Richardson, President of the State Association of College Bookstores and Manager of the Bluefield State College Bookstore provided a copy of Mr. Walker’s approval of the document received via email. Motion was made (DFrost/KPruitt) to adopt the policy. Motion carried.

Enrollment Management Report – Mr. John Cardwell- Student Housing Planning Update Mr. Cardwell gave the group a handout outlining the current status of enrollment and reviewed some of the activities to take place during the summer months. Pre-registration for the fall semester is currently at 1,206 students. Last year the final enrollment was 1,839. Mr. Kantor discussed the opportunity to recruit students into the Criminal Justice program as a result of the prisons soon to open in the area. Mr. Cardwell reported that the Criminal Justice instructors have been involved with those in authority.

Mr. Cardwell informed the group that out of state applications and visits to the Upperclassman II facility continue to increase. Mr. Kantor inquired about numbers coming in for the Upperclassman II. Mr. Cardwell reported about 65 students have leases at this time. Orientation on Friday will include an opportunity for students to tour the facility.

Mr. Forlines discussed enrollment possibilities in the community by providing night classes to those who work full time in the day. Many companies provide educational dollars and BSC should act on the opportunity to offer courses and to recruit these employees. Dr. Eaves reminded the group that a full degree program has been developed in the evening in the School of Business. Mr. Frost stressed the need to work toward increasing the Criminal Justice course offerings at night to accommodate employees of the new prisons in the area. Mr. Caffery stressed the need to offer more classes in McDowell County.

Ms. Deirdre Guyton gave an update on the Tom Joyner Foundation Scholarship. At this time contributions are at $196,000. These funds are not necessarily for scholarships but may be used for books, housing, etc.

President’s Report – Dr. Albert WalkerDr. Walker provided a Powerpoint printout of the President’s Report. He reviewed the progress of the Upperclassman II and the Business After Hours activity held at the facility. The facility plans to open the first of August and will house the College Summit during activities on the campus. The majority of these students will be coming from Kanawha County and will be taking the information back to other potential students.

Dr. Walker reported that Bluefield State College has been listed for the sixth year as One of Americas Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report magazine. This is an honor for the college and students pay attention to this designation when choosing a college to attend.

Mr. Frost discussed the proper method to make a recommendation for the appointment of Board members. Mr. Kantor informed Mr. Frost that an individual can make recommendations to the President to forward to the Governor or directly to the Governor but the Board cannot make any recommendations for new Board members.

Executive SessionA motion was made (JForlines/JStafford) to go into executive session at 8:50 p.m. Motion carried.

A motion was approved to come out of executive session at 9:45 p.m. Mr. Barnes reported no actions were taken while in executive session.

The next regularly scheduled Board meeting will be on July 21 and will include the oath of office for new Board members when the Governor makes those appointments. Those currently serving on the Board will continue to serve until replacements are appointed.

The July 21, 2005 meeting will be held in the Private Dining Room of the Harris Jefferson Student Center.

With no further business to discuss a motion was made (KPruitt/DFrost) to adjourn. Motion carried.